Written by: Siya Maheshwari (Gr 11)

Soccer is a sport that brings people together through teamwork, dedication, and shared experiences. This was clear when SFS Soccer traveled to Shanghai American School Pudong for this year's APAC tournament and once again delivered outstanding performances, showcasing the depth of both teams. While most APAC tournaments have the girls and boys competing at separate schools across the region, the 2026 APAC Soccer Tournament offered both SFS teams the opportunity to come together at a shared venue. This created a unique and memorable opportunity for student-athletes to support each other in the year's highest-profile and most challenging tournament.

Both teams finished in second place, reflecting the hard work and commitment they put in throughout the season. However, for many players, the experience was much more valuable than the final result. One of the highlights was being able to travel and compete together. Felipe, senior attacking midfielder of the boys team, shared his favorite memory:  "We were chanting with each other, and that was so fun. Every game felt like a final because we had both teams cheering for one another." The support from both teams created an exciting atmosphere and made the tournament even more memorable. 

Mirim, player/manager for the varsity girls team, also reflected on the experience, saying, "Despite being unable to win the championship, we won something much bigger – the bonds the teams made this year". She also mentioned enjoying having both boys and girls together in one place. The enthusiastic support they gave each other resembled having a home crowd throughout the tournament. For many athletes, the friendships and memories shared became just as important and meaningful as the results they achieved.

Beyond the competition, this year's APAC soccer tournament also gave players a chance to meet students from other schools and build new friendships. Although they were rivals on the pitch, many also enjoyed connecting with others who shared the same passion for soccer. Felipe spoke about how much he enjoyed meeting new people throughout the tournament, showing that one of the most valuable parts of APAC is the opportunity to create lasting memories and connect with others through sport. 

While bringing home two second-place finishes is an incredible achievement, the experiences shared, the friendships formed, and the support shown between teammates are what many players will remember most from this year's APAC tournament.